Adderall addiction, like all other prescription drug abuse, has dire consequences. The 10-year FDA data showing how emergency room visits related to ADHD medications nearly tripled from 2009 to 2020 is evidence enough. But detoxing from Adderall and managing withdrawal symptoms can be tricky once you decide to quit.
Don't worry. Institutions like NUMA Recovery Centers are available to help. From initiating the detox process and establishing a timeline to managing withdrawal symptoms, this article will help you understand what to expect and how NUMA can guide your every step on your Adderall detox journey. Continue reading to find out more.
How Should I Detox from Adderall?
In a medical detox setting, the Adderall detox process typically starts with a medical professional assessing your overall health. They also evaluate how physically dependent you are on the drug. This step determines the course of action — from tapering and managing symptoms to relapse prevention.
Safety is a huge concern when going through the detoxification process and dealing with Adderall withdrawal. In the worst-case scenarios, complications (agitation, blood pressure issues, heart problems, etc.) may arise that can aggravate existing health issues. The presence of medical professionals in such situations can prevent dire mishaps.
A good medical detox program should ensure that every patient gets adequate support whenever needed. Aside from the physical symptoms, the biggest battle comes when dealing with the psychological symptoms of withdrawal.
What are Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms?
Adderall withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of any other stimulant. The difference is in the intensity and duration. Some individuals go through Adderall detox with negligible withdrawal symptoms, while others are not so fortunate.
Your overall health, age, dose, and length of dependency affect the severity of your Adderall withdrawal. With that said, here are some of the symptoms you need to look out for:
-
Emotional struggles: You may face extreme fatigue, depression, irritability, and increased emotional sensitivity during Adderall withdrawal, making daily functioning more challenging.
-
Cognitive and Sleep Challenges: You may also experience difficulties in both focusing and maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
-
Anxiety: Becoming restless and developing a heightened sense of worry is a common withdrawal symptom.
-
Cravings: Another one of the withdrawal symptoms that you may experience is an intense craving for Adderall that can trigger relapse.
-
Physical Symptoms: Physical discomforts like nausea, muscle aches, headaches, and stomach issues may also be present.
-
Suicidal Thoughts (Rare): In severe withdrawal symptoms, you might develop deep depression that can lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts. In this case, seek out prompt medical attention.
It is important to note that you may or may not experience all the symptoms listed.
Adderall Withdrawal Timeline
Patients experience withdrawal from prescription drugs differently from each other. It can last for a few days to a few weeks, depending on the dose and length of your Adderall use.
The type of Adderall can also affect the onset of symptoms. Adderal IR (Immediate Release) experiences symptoms intensely and rapidly when you go cold turkey. Adderall XR (Extended Release) is designed for gradual and sustained release of the medication and has a longer effect. Due to its extended-release nature, patients can experience less intense but prolonged withdrawal symptoms.
With that said, here's a general Adderall withdrawal timeline you can use to help you manage your expectations.
-
Initial 24-72 Hours:
-
You may experience intense cravings for Adderall in the first day or two.
-
Fatigue, irritability, and mood swings kick in as you go through an Adderall crash. Adderall's effect is largely out of your system at this point.
-
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or hypersomnia, may start.
-
-
First Week:
-
Fatigue and irritability persist and may intensify.
-
Depression and anxiety may become more noticeable.
-
Sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep or excessive sleep, continue.
-
Cravings for Adderall can be intense.
-
-
First Two Weeks:
-
Intense withdrawal symptoms may peak like depression and anxiety. You typically experience social withdrawal at this stage as your dopamine slowly returns to the pre-Adderall abuse level.
-
Insomnia or hypersomnia can persist.
-
Difficulty concentrating and focusing may persist.
-
Cravings for Adderall remain.
-
-
Weeks 3-4:
-
Emotional symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, start improving little by little.
-
Energy levels may start to stabilize, but fatigue can persist.
-
Sleep patterns may slowly return to normal.
-
Cravings for Adderall may be less intense but can still occur.
-
-
Beyond One Month:
-
Most of your physical and emotional symptoms should significantly improve or disappear.
-
You can still experience Adderall cravings, but less frequent and less intense.
-
Your cognitive function, including focus and concentration, gradually returns to pre-Adderall levels.
-
Note that some may still have Adderall dependence beyond the outlined timeline. It is important to remember how longstanding Adderall misuse and other chronic medical conditions affect progress.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is the brand name of a prescription drug used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD. Its amphetamine and dextroamphetamine components target and boost dopamine, a brain chemical responsible for focus and concentration. As a component of the central nervous system, dopamine also controls your brain's reward and pleasure system.
Because this drug stimulates dopamine, your "feel good" hormone, it's easy to abuse Adderall and develop prolonged dependency and addiction. Stopping Adderall can affect your current mood, and you may even experience physical discomfort. But you can manage and ease withdrawal symptoms with the help of addiction specialists.
About Adderall Addiction
Adderall is highly addictive. Misuse of this ADHD drug has left a trail of substance abuse, addiction, and death similar to opioids but largely remains under wraps, according to the Milwaukee Journal.
Misusing Adderall by increasing dosage has adverse effects such as unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal. However, quitting Adderall cold turkey is not recommended due to the potential risks.
Tips for Adderall Detoxing
Adderall detox has its ups and downs. There will be days when you feel the depression, anxiety, and fatigue are worse than they were the previous day. There is also the realization of how the goal of going back to a baseline level is far from your grasp at the moment.
Every successful detox patient has gone through a similar experience. Stick to your detox plan, exercise regularly, and get as much sleep as you can manage.
You will experience the worst of the physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms first before you gradually get better. Prioritizing your health should help to minimize Adderall withdrawal symptoms.
Don't hesitate to seek emotional support from your family members. Your decision to quit Adderall is already a step in the right direction, a solid one at that. Family therapy can help strengthen your mental resolve and battle the worst of the symptoms.
Can NUMA Recovery Assist with Adderall Detox?
Ignoring your Adderall addiction can lead to craving stronger stimulants like methamphetamine. NUMA Recovery Centers can certainly help you overcome Adderall dependency.
Our experienced specialists can create a tailored plan within our medical detox program. We are equipped with complete facilities and medical supervision to ensure the success of your recovery.
Contact us today to learn about how we can help you through this process.
Adam Zagha
